I tested GHD's new hair tool against Asda's £141 cheaper version – the winner gave me luscious locks that lasted all day

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

The winner gave curls that lasted all day long
HAIR ME OUT I tested GHD's new hair tool against Asda's £141 cheaper version – the winner gave me luscious locks that lasted all day
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MERMAID waves are making a splash this summer, from Sofia Richie to Molly-Mae, everyone's after that beachy glow-up.
So when GHD launched its new Curve Wave triple-barrel tool, promising beachy waves in minutes for £159, I had to know if it was really worth the hefty price tag.
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8
I tested two hair wavers to see which one gave the best results
8
I began both styles on roughly blow-dried hair
Or could a budget dupe deliver the same glam for a fraction of the cost?
Enter the George at Asda's hair waver.
Tucked away on the supermarket's shelf, I found the George Black Hair Waver for just £14.40
That's £141 cheaper than the GHD and barely more than a posh shampoo.
So I put them both to the test to see if this supermarket buy could be the ultimate GHD dupe.
George Hair Waver
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The Asda hair waver gave me a beachy mermaid look that lasted all day long
Black Hair Waver, £14.40, available at Asda
Starting with the underdog, I unboxed the George hair waver and took it for a spin.
I prepped my hair by giving it a quick wash and blow dry and made sure to use heat protectant.
I used the same hair wash products and Schwarzkopf Styling Caring Protect & Repair Spray for both tests to give the gadgets an even shot.
Once you plug it in and switch it on, there's no indicator to tell you when it's ready to use but I found it heated up in around 30-45 seconds.
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So far, although it looks pretty basic, I was happy - it heated up in under a minute and was light enough to hold without giving me arm ache.
With smaller barrels than the likes of the GHD, I had to work in narrower sections.
I split my hair in two (mine's thick and long – the kind that makes most tools cry) and worked through it in about 20 minutes.
That's quick enough for me to fit into my morning routine.
I have to say, the results were shockingly good.
It delivered defined, structured waves that looked glossy and polished – like Molly-Mae's signature look on a payday budget.
The kind of hair that makes strangers ask what shampoo you use.
But here's the kicker, the style lasted all day long.
Even the next morning, I woke up with waves intact, which came as a major surprise because my hair struggles to hold a lot of styles.
It's basic, yes, there's no cool tip or fancy temperature control but it just works.
If you want tight waves that hold their shape, this little tool packs a serious punch.
Rating: 9/10
GHD Wave Triple Barrel Hair Weaver– £159
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The GHD gave me a soft, effortless look
Credit: ghd
GHD Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver, £159, available at GHD.
Now for the more expensive one.
Let's be honest, GHD knows how to do sleek.
From the luxe packaging to the premium feel, it oozes designer energy.
It even gives a polite chime when it's ready to go and it heats up in a flash.
The bigger barrel means you can tackle more hair at once, which sounds great in theory.
But the tool itself is very weighty, and awkward to manoeuvre, especially when trying to get round the back.
I even caught the side of my neck once, leaving a small burn.
But the good thing is you're not holding it up for too long.
Once I got into the groove, it took me around 15-20 seconds to do per section.
I have to say, the results were undeniably pretty.
It gave me soft, loose, beachy waves that were perfect for a soft summer look.
But within a few hours, they'd started to fall.
By the time I'd reached the dinner table, my 'effortless glam' had turned into 'couldn't find my brush'.
On thinner or finer hair, it might've held better.
But on my thicker hair, the GHD just couldn't keep up.
Gorgeous at first, yes – but it wilted so fast, I had to restyle my hair for my evening dinner plans.
Rating: 6/10
How do they compare?
Honestly, between the two wavers, the surprise winner was definitely the Asda waver.
Sure, it doesn't come with the bells, whistles or luxury aesthetics but it certainly delivers.
It gave me long-lasting, camera-ready waves that survived a full day of wear, all for under £15.
It was lighter to hold, so no burns or arm aches.
It was relatively quick and all around just very impressive for the price point.
GHD's tool is undeniably sleek, quick and luxe.
It looks a lot better than the Asda waver, that's for sure.
But the results were sadly underwhelming.
Although it gives you a nice soft, effortless look, the style just didn't stick and when you're spending £159, you want more than just pretty packaging.
So if you're after beach-babe waves that'll last all day long on a budget, the Asda waver is your new secret weapon.
Proof that sometimes the most expensive tools aren't necessarily the best.
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I prepped my hair with the Schwarzkopf Styling Caring Protect & Repair Spray
Credit: Superdrug
8
I was extremely impressed with the Asda version
8
The GHD gave me a nice, soft wave